Provide eye-catching, industry-relevant print media projects for over 140 retail stores across the Midwest and Home Office employees. • Primary designer for postcards, flyers, newspaper advertisements, logos, trailer wraps, calendars, manuals, and sale promotion flyers. • Collaborate with stores to develop and implement marking programs and events to promote products and brands. • Use the Adobe Design Suite as the exclusive software to product all design and marketing projects.• Can use Mac or PC operating systems to complete projects

Hello world, I am Melanie Gates, proud owner of Open Gates Design, nestled in the heart of Missouri, Columbia. With years of experience as a graphic designer, I'm thrilled to showcase my talents through diverse creative endeavors. From crafting compelling content and designing stunning printed materials to mastering the art of social media & digital content creation, I approach each project with boundless enthusiasm and expertise.At Open Gates Design, we specialize in partnering with businesses to fulfill their design needs, whether it's creating impactful recruitment materials, enhancing their social media presence or developing cohesive branding strategies. Our commitment to excellence ensures that every design reflects your company's unique identity and resonates with your target audience.What truly steps me apart is creating unforgettable moments through custom-made birthday invitations and exquisite wedding materials. With attention to detail and a commitment to excellence, I ensure every design reflects your unique vision, exceeds expectations and leaves a lasting impression.Working together, we'll bring your ideas to life and elevate your brand or celebration to new heights. Let's embark on a creative adventure, the possibilities are endless — let's talk today!

Promoted to apply printing and customer service knowledge to improve department effectiveness. • Worked with IT to create a workflow to keep track of projects from concept, through production, and shipping.• Re-built the relationship with a multi-million dollar customer• Served as primary contact for customers to find the progress of their project• Implemented and maintained database created with IT to track projects progress.• Scheduled shipments with freight liners to verify on-time shipment of all large projects.• Increased shipment proficiency, accuracy, and output by working directly with finishing operations to plan shipments.

Collaborated with primary salesperson and customer to implement projects into Creative's production system.• Tracked progress of projects from concept through production and shipping.• Primary contact for salesperson to implement project(s) into production.• Designed personal database to track progress of projects• Delivered samples and proofs to local customers to keep direct, personal contact and collect new project(s).• Worked directly with production staff to answer any questions, problems, or concerns with printed product and ensure product met customer expectations.• Answered customer inquiries, billed projects, and tracked project completions.